Classes at Marc Adams School of Woodworking

Hammer Veneering with David Orth

Veneering opens up a whole new world of shape and surface possibilities for the woodworker. While a veneer press usually remains the best approach for large, flat surfaces, it is sometimes impractical, even impossible, to use a press for small areas, edging, inside corners, angled, or curved work. Traditional hammer veneering allows you to apply veneer directly without the use of cauls, clamps, presses, elaborate set ups, or inappropriate contact cements. Hammer veneering is to modern veneer techniques what a handplane is to power joinery. It allows you to work more flexibly, subtly, and quickly - by bringing the tool to the work. During this two-day, hands-on workshop, you'll learn a complete traditional system culled by David from years of research and learning from years of his own trial and error. You will learn how to select and prepare substrates, veneer and glue. After demonstrations, students will try their hand at veneering flat areas, curves, edges, and inside corners. David will discuss the typical problems that can arise when gluing and how to prevent them. This weekend will begin your mastery of an ancient, nearly lost art.

Key Points:

How hammering veneering can improve designs

Ways hammer veneering can speed up work

Choosing a substrate material and constructing underlying forms

Selecting and preparing veneers some surprises here that will simplify and speed the process

Selecting, preparing and maintaining hide glue

Maintaining control over a complex and potentially messy work environment

Applying the glue-you'll never guess the trick

Working the surface with the veneer hammer

Using veneer tape properly

Understanding a variety of trimming techniques and preparation for finishing

Preventing typical problems

There is a $45 annual registration fee that will be added to your the total amount of the class if this is the first class you are registering for this season.